Vegan Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables
This Vegan Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables recipe is a quick and satisfying dish that's perfect for any night of the week. With a balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
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Ingredients for Vegan Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables
Firm tofu is the star, offering a delicious plant-based protein. It absorbs the marinade beautifully, giving it depth of flavor. Soy sauce provides a salty umami base, while maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance it out. Sesame oil brings a nutty aroma that complements the dish. Minced garlic and grated ginger add a punch of flavor that ties everything together. Cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior on the tofu when stir-fried. A mix of red bell pepper, broccoli florets, carrot, and sugar snap peas add vibrant colors and textures. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds finish it off with a fresh and slightly nutty touch.
Vegan Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables Tips & Tricks
- Pressing the tofu before marinating helps it absorb more flavors and improves texture.
- Don't stir the tofu too much while cooking to ensure it gets crispy.
- Feel free to substitute with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
Serving Ideas for Vegan Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You could also serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different oil?
- Yes, you can use any high-heat oil like canola or grapeseed oil.
- How can I make it gluten-free?
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan to maintain texture.
Vegan Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables Recipe Walkthrough
Start by cutting the tofu into small cubes. Set these aside for now. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. This will be your marinade. Add the tofu cubes into this mixture, ensuring they're all well-coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
While your tofu is marinating, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss them gently to coat all sides evenly. This will give them a nice crispy texture when you cook them. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes. Stir-fry them until they turn golden and crisp, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add your prepared red bell pepper, broccoli florets, carrot, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender but still vibrant. Return the tofu to the pan, add the green onions, and give everything a good toss to combine. Finally, sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds before serving.
Why This Vegan Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables Works
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Loaded with colorful, crunchy vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
- Rich in plant-based protein and flavor.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Cut the tofu into cubes and set aside.
- 2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- 3. Add the tofu to the marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- 4. Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss to coat evenly.
- 5. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- 6. Add tofu cubes and stir-fry until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- 7. Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
- 8. In the same pan, add bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and sugar snap peas, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender.
- 9. Return tofu to the pan, add green onions, and toss everything to combine.
- 10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.